Feds charge Microsoft with illegal browser scheme

In May 1995, Microsoft approached Netscape with a proposal to carve up the Internet browser market, according to an antitrust complaint against the software giant that was filed Monday by the Department of Justice (DoJ).But the alleged scheme called for a division of labour that would have clearly left Microsoft in the catbird's seat.

In May 1995, Microsoft approached Netscape with a proposal to carve up the Internet browser market, according to an antitrust complaint against the software giant that was filed Monday by the Department of Justice (DoJ).

But the alleged scheme called for a division of labour that would have clearly left Microsoft in the catbird's seat.

It is alleged that Microsoft proposed it become the single supplier of Internet browsers for use with Windows 95 and follow-up operating systems. Under this arrangement, Netscape would supply browsers for use with "other" operating systems.

At a press interview Monday evening, Bill Gates, Microsoft chairman and CEO was asked: "Did Microsoft and Netscape have meetings to discuss whether or not to divide up the browser market? And if so, how do you respond to that? Gates said: "Well, the first is absolutely not. We never had any meeting of that kind in any way, shape or form. And that's the kind of outrageous leak and outrageous lie that we're hearing in this case that, you know, fortunately, in the court proceedings, the facts will come out in a very straightforward way

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